Sundays are made for spending time with family, which certainly holds true for Mother’s Day coming up on May 14th. Although you should appreciate the superwoman known as your mother every day, this particular holiday is a time to show your mom how grateful you are for devoting her life to raising you into the remarkable human being you are today!
To show your appreciation, you could surprise your mom with her favorite bouquet and a heartfelt letter — or go the extra mile by taking her on a trip to make memories that will last a lifetime. Whether it’s shopping, getting a massage, enjoying conversations over brunch, or sipping on some wine, every mom has her guilty pleasure. We’ve rounded up three U.S. cities you can travel to for a memorable Mother’s Day based on traits that best define your mom.
1. Portland, Oregon, for “the Shopaholic”
Portland is the place to go if you want to shop ’til you drop at a reasonable price, and as an added advantage, they don’t charge sales tax! To start, we recommend finding looking at numerous Portland rentals until you settle on the right one for you and mom. If you book one in the Nob Hill District, you’ll be close to NW 23rd Street, where you’ll find plenty of cute boutiques to spoil your mom with all her favorite things.
A Sweet Idea
When you’re ready for a break from window shopping, be sure to stop at Salt & Straw, Portland’s pride and joy, for unique ice cream flavors like Rhubarb Crumble with Toasted Anise, and Wildflower Honey with Ricotta Walnut Lace Cookies. You’ll find it on the corner of NW 23rd Street and NW Overton Street. Although this establishment started in Portland and has now expanded all over the country, they change up their ice cream flavors based on the city they’re located in and the specific season.
Shop ‘Til You Drop!
Ready for more shopping? Head over to the Woodburn Premium Outlets, just a 40-minute drive down I-5 from the Northwest District. They have stores such as Adidas, Banana Republic, Coach, Michael Kors, Nike and more — all at discounted rates! Pro tip: Bring your student ID and always ask for student discounts if you’re still in school. Did we mention the fact that there’s no sales tax?
In light of Mother’s Day, it’s only fitting to take your mom on a brunch date to Mother’s Bistro, in the heart of downtown Portland. Their extensive menu has a variety of delicious dishes that taste like home-cooked meals, except you’re surrounded by a beautifully decorated space that your mom will adore. Some of our favorites include the wild salmon hash, the crunchy challah French toast, and the stuffed frittata. If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the menu, we’ve got some good news: you can ask for half orders on dishes to try some of everything!
If you still have room for some coffee or dessert, you can take a short minute-long walk to Stumptown Coffee Roasters or Voodoo Donuts, equally favored by both locals and tourists.
2. San Francisco for “the Laid-Back Mom”
There’s so much to do in San Francisco, but we recommend sitting back and relaxing for a Mother’s Day date. On Sundays between 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. you can savor some afternoon tea at the Rotunda of Neiman Marcus in Union Square, which is a great area to look for San Francisco rentals. Afternoon tea may seem like a mundane experience for some, but once you see how incredible your surroundings are, you’ll think again. We advise making a reservation beforehand to ensure a table is available on Mother’s Day. After your tea time, take a moment and explore Union Square to immerse yourself in the sights and sounds of San Francisco.
If the Weather Allows, Have a Picnic
Another Mother’s Day bonding idea would be to pack a picnic of all your mom’s favorite snacks and refreshments, then take her to one of two places:
- The Painted Ladies at Alamo Square. This world-famous skyline view is most commonly known for being featured in the opening credits of the 90’s sitcom Full House. You can post up in the same spot that the Full House cast sits together, or find any open space in Alamo Square Park facing the Painted Ladies for a picnic.
- The Conservatory of Flowers. The charming Conservatory of Flowers is home to precious blooms and colorful butterflies inside Golden Gate Park. Enjoy the sunshine, a mimosa or two, and homemade treats right outside the conservatory. If you and your mom are feeling up to it, you can even go inside and check out a diverse collection of endangered plants.
Your mom will love either location you choose, but when it comes to San Francisco, it’s important to always check the weather! If the weather doesn’t permit, don’t panic — we’ve got one last indoor option for you.
Restaurant with a View
Drive over to Treasure Island and admire a view of the city skyline at Mersea. This restaurant has both outdoor and indoor seating, looking towards the magnificent skyline. Whether you come during the day or night, this view is certainly one you won’t want to miss.
3. Las Vegas for “the Music Fanatic”
For the mom who loves music, Las Vegas is the perfect destination. The city has a vibrant music scene, with shows and concerts happening every night of the week. Choose one of the many upscale downtown Las Vegas vacation rentals or hotels, and you can start your day by exploring the Neon Museum, which features vintage neon signs from some of the city’s most famous hotels and casinos. After that, head to the House of Blues at the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino, where you can catch a live show by some of the biggest names in music.
If you’ve never been to Cirque de Soleil, Vegas has plenty of different Cirque shows you and your mom will get a kick out of. One show that comes highly recommended is LOVE, a Cirque de Soleil performance based on songs by the Beatles. Another Cirque show that will make your mom smile is ONE, featuring a soundtrack of Michael Jackson’s greatest hits. These two shows include electrifying acrobatic stunts and timeless music, and are truly a feast for the senses.
Time for Some Pampering
Once you’ve had your fair share of mind-blowing musical experiences, you can treat yourselves to a full day of pampering at one of the many spas throughout Las Vegas. Get a relaxing warm stone massage, a 24-karat gold facial, or even enjoy a simple manicure and pedicure. Both you and your mom deserve to spoil yourselves once in a while!
Hungry? We’ve Got You Covered!
Lastly, you need to try an all-you-can-eat buffet in Vegas! It may be a splurge, but for the high-quality food and absurd amount of options, we promise it’s worth it. For lunch, check out Wicked Spoon inside the Cosmopolitan. Indulge in a whole island of decadent desserts like Godiva cake pops, molten chocolate lava cakes, and a gelato bar. For dinner, you can visit Bacchanal Buffet at Caesars Palace. Some highlights in their buffet spread are unlimited prime rib, crab, and bone marrow. If you order the crab, you can even ask the chef to steam it for you or request it be tossed in garlic. We’re getting hungry just thinking about it!
Make This Mother’s Day One to Remember
Whether your mom is a shopaholic, a laid-back traveler, or a music fanatic, there’s a West Coast city perfect for her. Plan a memorable Mother’s Day getaway and show your mom how much she means to you. We hope you and your mom enjoy this special day together, because she deserves to be treated like the queen she is!